As the weather heats up, city dwellers like myself enjoy escaping to Whidbey Island for some weekend fun and relaxation. Starting Monday, June 3, Island residents and weekend warriors alike will notice some changes coming to State Route 525, one of Whidbey’s main highways.
For three weeks, contractor crews will make a series of improvements along a one-mile stretch through Freeland that will make the highway safer for the thousands of people who drive, walk, bike and use public transportation in the area.
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| Crews will make improvements to three intersections on SR 525 in the Whidbey Island community of Freeland. |
The upcoming work will focus on three key intersections on SR 525 in Freeland: South Woodard Avenue, Main Street/Fish Road and Scott Road.
South Woodard Avenue
Soon it will be a lot safer for folks trying to get to and from local businesses on the north side of SR 525 and the Freeland Trail or nearby park and ride on the south side.
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| Crews will install a new crosswalk to safely connect people to destinations on both sides of the highway. |
Through this project, crews will build an upgraded crosswalk, featuring new overhead lighting and pedestrian-activated flashing beacons to alert approaching motorists that someone is crossing the road.
Main Street/Fish Road
Drivers turning left from SR 525 to either Main Street or Fish Road will no longer have to wait for a green arrow. We will replace the existing turn signal – which only has solid red, yellow and green arrows – with one that includes a flashing yellow arrow.
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| Crews will adjust the traffic signals at the intersection of SR 525 and Main Street/Fish Road to keep traffic moving. |
Flashing yellow arrows allow for left-hand turns after yielding to oncoming traffic. They keep travelers safer during heavy traffic and reduce delays and queuing when traffic is light.
Scott Road
In the years we spent gathering community feedback about this project, many expressed concern over rear-end crashes near this intersection due to slowing traffic for left turns.
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| A new advanced warning sign will alert motorists to left turns at the intersection of SR 525 and Scott Road. |
This spring, crews will imbed vehicle detection loops into the highway. This component of our Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) will trip an advanced warning sign that will flash when there is a turning vehicle or slowed traffic ahead. This early notice will help prevent rear-end collisions.
What travelers can expect
Night owls, this one’s for you! Crews will do most of their work overnight, Sunday through Friday, and reduce SR 525 to a single lane. People should prepare for 5-10 minute delays as flaggers alternate traffic.
All lanes will stay open during the day, but don’t be surprised if you see crews working along the shoulder as you drive by. Keep them – and yourself – safe by slowing down and giving them room to do their jobs.
Travelers should also be aware of the Washington State Ferries Passenger and ADA Improvement work happening at the Clinton Terminal through July.
As always, you can find up-to-date project information by:
- Following the WSDOT North Twitter feed.
- Signing up for the Skagit & Island County highway emails.
- Bookmarking the Skagit & Island County construction update page.
- Downloading the WSDOT mobile app.
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